Explore the most popular lake trails in Mt. Baker National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.

This was the best and worst hike ever. It was far, long, and tiring. The end view of the lake was breath taking and absolutely worth it. Be prepared to literally climb a mountain to get to the peak, the switch backs get very frustrating because there are sooooo many. The actual trail head for this is 4 miles from where you park your car. There are also signs warning you about potential bears, although we didn’t see any or see any tracks. There still is some snow up at the peak (may 20), so be careful walking on it so you don’t fall through. I definitely suggest this hike to someone who’s fit and experienced.

Attempted this last week 5/10 and about a mile or so on the forest service road there is a large tree that is lying somewhat across the road. Possibly by driving way to the left will enable you to go under.

...we were gifted with crystal clear blue skies all day long as we explored the area on our snowshoes, constantly in awe of the landscape , the imposing mass of Mt Baker and not to be out done , the glaciated face of Mt Shuksan...... it is incredibly quick and easy access from the ski hill into the open , back country.... and even tho there was a fair number of people exploring the area there was no escaping the " out there " , wild feel of it..... the only draw back was a rather tedious cross slope trail that proved cumbersome in snowshoes going from Artist Point up to the saddle where the trail branches off for Ptarmigan Ridge, but small potatoes compared to the sights that surrounded us. will definitely be back , ..and i must explore this area in the summer months !

Started from the northern east bank and hiked and about a mile past noisy creek to stop and have lunch on the beach. Beautiful clear views of Baker and neighboring peeks. No snow or ice on trail or in the parking lot.

Not our intended trail for the day, but due to the road being closed this is why we ended up. only saw one other person and enjoyed a nice peaceful walk along the river nothing really exciting at all but we were outside and it was a nice day that's all there is to it! :)

This is a beautiful trail. We just went to the top, and did not continue down to the lake. It’s a dangerous trail because it’s narrow. A couple people have died on this mountain this year and several over the years. The switchbacks make it manageable for a nice day hike. there are bear hunters around, so it’s good to wear bright clothing and put a bright shirt on your dog!!! In 2009 someone was mistaken for a bear, was shot, and died.

This is an awesome trail. The zig-zags in the beginning were a bit boring but once you turn around the corner (you'll know it), the view was gorgeous! All the snow mountains including Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Rainier, etc.. And don't stop your pace until you hike all the way up to the ridge. The view's even better there!

10/8/2017
Winchester Mountain Trail is such a beautiful picturesque hike, with the view of the Twin Lakes. This is a must hike, however you need to be prepared.
The road going up to the trail head is VERY steep and difficult, with large pot holes, bumps, crossing water, large rocks; etc. You will not make it up the mountain in your vehicle if you don't have a Jeep, Subaru or 4x4. Don't even try it! If you have a smaller car, you will have to park down the trail and talk a long, steep hike up to the trail head.
I drove slow and carefully, and it took me 1 hour from the road to get to the trail head in my Subaru.
I wasn't prepared for all of the snow and winter wonderland that had already fallen. The hike was covered in snow, and was slushy, muddy, and wet. As you get closer to the top, it is very slippery and icy. I made my way back down the mountain around 2:45pm and the slushy ice was already starting to freeze and was getting colder.

Hiked Sauk Mountain today. Beautiful day and the views from the top are worth the effort. Both my wife and I thought it was a gradual climb, but nothing overly strenuous. Sauk Mountain Rd off of Hwy 20 was our only concern. Gravel for 7 miles. Didn't encounter a car the whole way up. We got into the parking lot and it was empty. Then 3 more cars arrived. Living in Shoreline, it is a bit far for us to go, but I could see us venturing up the North Cascade Hwy again. Next time we will go all the way to the lake. 2 thumbs ups!!